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States Without Summer EBT 2026
Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) is voluntary for states. In FY26, several states chose NOT to participate — affecting approximately 5+ million eligible children. This page lists states without Summer EBT and provides alternatives families can still use.
Verify before acting: Participant list changes. Check fns.usda.gov/sebt for the current FY26 list before basing decisions.
1. States that have opted out (FY26)
States that did NOT participate in Summer EBT FY26 (as of FY25 close). Verify at fns.usda.gov/sebt for FY26 confirmations:
- Tennessee — declined FY24 + FY25; FY26 not announced
- Alabama — declined FY24, joined FY25; FY26 to confirm
- Iowa — declined FY24 + FY25; FY26 to confirm
- Florida — declined FY25; FY26 status pending — verify
- Georgia — declined FY24 + FY25; FY26 to confirm
- Mississippi — declined FY24, joined FY25; FY26 to confirm
- South Carolina — declined FY24, joined FY25; FY26 to confirm
- South Dakota — declined FY24 + FY25; FY26 to confirm
- Texas — declined FY24, joined FY25 (limited rollout); FY26 to confirm
- Vermont — did not participate FY24 + FY25; FY26 to confirm
- Wyoming — declined FY24 + FY25; FY26 to confirm
Tribes may operate Summer EBT independently of state in these locations — see fns.usda.gov/sebt/itos.
2. Alternatives if your state doesn\u0027t participate
Families in non-participating states still have several programs that fill part of the gap:
A) SFSP — Hot meals at summer sites
- Free meals at parks, churches, schools, community centers
- Kids under 18; no application, no income check
- Locator: 1-866-3-HUNGRY or text FOOD to 304-304
- Find SFSP near you →
B) Local food pantries
- 60,000+ local pantries serve every state
- Most do not require income verification
- Can pick up once per week / month (depends on pantry)
- Find pantries →
C) School summer programs
- Many districts run summer camps with meals included (typically free for families under 185% FPL)
- Check with district nutrition services office or McKinney-Vento liaison (for unhoused households)
D) WIC for kids under 5
- WIC continues year-round, including summer
- Pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding women, kids up to age 5
- Up to 185% FPL — higher income level than SNAP
- Apply for WIC →
E) Private philanthropic programs
- No Kid Hungry Summer Hunger Hotline — 1-866-3-HUNGRY (also text FOOD to 304-304)
- Save the Children — runs snacks / food packs at rural schools in select states
- Regional food banks — often run summer initiatives focused on kids
3. How to advocate for FY27 participation
States can change their decision each year. If your state opted out, parents and advocates can:
- Contact state governor and legislature leaders
- Work with state anti-hunger advocacy organizations
- Support state legislative resolutions for SEBT participation
- Connect with national organizations like FRAC (Food Research & Action Center) and No Kid Hungry
Related resources
Last updated 2026-04-30. Feed America Inc. (EIN 92-1761881).